Most of us who love reading likely remember the first Dr. Seuss story we ever read. We can also probably pinpoint the moment where we realized that there was also a TV show or a short to pair with the stories, and it made for a memorable childhood experience. The world of the renowned author and illustrator is vast and bright, making the adaptations that much more delightful, especially when they're well done. While some shorts are only 20 minutes long, other, more splendid films like How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) starring Jim Carrey become annual must-watches during the holiday season.
From animated classics to live-action adaptations, here are the seven best Dr. Seuss movies and TV shows, as well as where to find them on platforms like Prime Video and Netflix.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Ron Howard's adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas isn't just a star-studded spectacle with some of the most noteworthy names in comedy, but it's an all-around good time on all fronts. Jim Carrey's performance as the titular Christmas-hating grump is one of his strongest showcases as an actor to date, providing not only hilariously quotable lines that make for excellent memes, but he also brings a surprising amount of heart to underscore the character's changed stance. Christine Baranski also delivers one of the most uproarious, wildly chaotic performances as Martha May, allowing her to become an icon in more ways than one.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas isn't just an incredible adaptation, but it's a flawless joy that can stand on its own, and surprisingly, the test of time. As crass as some moments are, it's never outright offensive or too crude, which makes it appropriate for both kids and the adults who might read the jokes a bit differently. In a time where AI is unfortunately taking over, the production value of How the Grinch Stole Christmas proves that solid CGI, hair, and makeup could all create a distinctly colorful place like Whoville for film. Perfect for fans of nostalgic Christmas movies, if there's one Dr. Seuss adaptation that's an absolute must-watch, it's How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
A large part of the reason modern-day Dr. Seuss animated adaptations shine is because of the voice actors lending their talents to the characters. With this in mind, Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino's Horton Hears a Who! is a dazzling little gem with stars like Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, and more. The quality voice acting ensures that the animated films not only leave a mark, but that the characters stand out in genuinely distinguishable ways.
As a story, Horton Hears a Who! provides a nuanced exploration of how kindness and compassion make the world a safer place to reside in. It's a cautionary environmental tale, with an exploration of a person's importance, no matter where they come from. The fully CGI animation is riveting in countless forms, giving the film a realism that makes it both refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. The reflective beats are particularly reminiscent of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), making it an excellent starting place for kids.
The Lorax (2012)
The Lorax is especially perfect viewing right after Horton Hears a Who!, as the former provides commentary on the importance of people, while the latter doubles down on the significance of protecting our environment. As yet another subtle cautionary tale on the ramifications of greed and capitalism, The Lorax results in a heartwarming adaptation that's chock-full of heart, plus incredible performances from another exceptional cast of voice actors.
Brought to life by stars like Danny DeVito, Betty White, Ed Helms, Taylor Swift, and more, The Lorax is also an excellent musical with surprisingly catchy tunes that are bound to get stuck in every viewer's head by the time the credits roll. It's hilarious where it needs to be, informative in an easily palatable manner, and thoroughly engaging as a gorgeously animated film with layered voice performances.
Green Eggs and Ham (2019-2022)
Netflix's most recent adaptation, Green Eggs and Ham (2019), takes the classic Dr. Seuss tale and expands upon it for two seasons. It might not be as perfect as the book, but it's still a precious series with great voice acting from Diane Keaton, Michael Douglas, Ilana Glazer, Jeffrey Wright, Adam DeVine, Keegan-Michael Key, and more. The animation work isn't as cozy or charming as Horton Hears a Who! or The Lorax, but it's still lovely in the fact that it can provide plenty of entertainment for various types of viewers while still exploring a profound lesson of growth.
More than anything, an expansion of a story like Green Eggs and Ham ensures that the animated series shines as an intergenerational story and an exploration of new experiences without the absence of fear. The performances ensure that the characters feel lived in and layered, while the story itself delivers plenty of nuance.
The Grinch (2018)
In more ways than one, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is so perfect in and of itself that we didn't really need an animated adaptation. Still, the most recent work does indeed provide a worthwhile version of the story while allowing it to be a film to ease younger audiences into. The extent of the animation is incredible, but there's also a bit more of Max, the dog, to appreciate in this one. It also helps that there's stunning voice acting from noteworthy actors like Benedict Cumberbatch, Angela Lansbury, Rashida Jones, and more, making it an absolute delight to watch.
The Grinch is one of the most versatile stories, so it ultimately wouldn't be surprising if there are more adaptations for it in the future. It's a classic for a reason as a Scroogy tale that hits especially hard around the holidays. So, even if you're generally not a fan of the story, this one's still great to watch at least once.
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
The Cat in the Hat is one of the most popular Dr. Seuss stories, but there are surprisingly very few full-length adaptations of it. Still, the first live-action movie starring Mike Myers, Spencer Breslin, and Dakota Fanning is so good, it deserved more hype when it first premiered in the early 2000s. The film's practical effects approach makes it feel cozier, and the overarching themes present within make it an adorable must-watch for kids, even if it's just one time.
It's certainly not as brilliant as the other Dr. Seuss stories, but it's still a relatively sweet film to keep people entertained throughout. Mike Myers is also the perfect casting choice, not only to show off his chops as an actor but to make the titular character engaging for younger audiences. A new adaptation, also titled, The Cat in the Hat, is set to arrive in 2026, so it'll be riveting to see what kind of approach this one takes.
